march 18 - march 24, 2021
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sports
History of sports: the bicycle Rolling on
sarah nakonechny sports writer As the weather slowly begins to warm up, it’s time for us to bring out our summer activities – one of those being the bikes that many of us have looked forward to riding year after year. Who came up with this machine that is a staple in many people’s lives? Grab your helmets because you are in for a bumpy ride. The recognized father of the bicycle was a man by the name of Karl von Drais, a German baron who had made the first major development in the creation of the bicycle in 1817. It had all the components of a bicycle: it was steerable and had two wheels. It was operated by kicking against the street. However, it is not what we would consider to be similar to the modern bicycle. This evolution did not come till the 19th century and that was due to the work of several different inventors. A handful of French inventors, including Pierre Lallement, Pierre Michaux, and Ernest Michaux, were the first to develop prototypes based off of Drais’s initial design. These were the first to have pedals attached to them to allow the riders the chance to control their speed. These were quite a rough ride and they earned the nickname “boneshaker” from
Pixabay
Bicycle on the sidewalk.
those who tried them. These models were in need of a facelift and a lift is definitely what came next. James Starley and Eugene Meyer introduced new models to the scene that sported an oversized front wheel. This also brought forth the fourfoot-high seat which made it slightly dangerous for some to ride. It was believed that these oversized wheels would provide a greater amount of stability to their riders. These were iconic in
the 1870’s and 1880’s and what many people associate with the old black-and-white photos that float around of individuals on bicycles from this time period. The Englishmen decided to alter this design when John Kemp Starley decided that enough was enough with the dangerously high seat that the previous model offered. In 1885, he featured what was known as the “safety bike.” This design featured equal sized wheels, which is the closest
template to the modern bicycle that had been developed thus far. Starley’s model was also the first to introduce the use of a chain to connect the pedals and has been used since then as well. After this point in time, the development begins to get hard to track, as many different inventors from all over the world began to come out with variations of Starley’s model. The developments focused on improving the tires, implementing and then improv-
ing brakes, and trying to manufacture ways for the product to either be practical or for speed and racing purposes. The bicycle is something that has allowed individuals to expand their freedom, provided efficient ways for travelling, and has given people of all ages an activity that they can bond over. Although it has gone through quite the transformation in order to get to its current point, it is important to consider possibilities for future improvement as well. Of course, there are different needs based on the purpose and the terrain being driven over, but no matter the circumstance, manufacturers can continue to look into providing better tires, higher quality breaks, and improving the overall look of the equipment as well. This spring, as you get ready to take the bikes out for the first time, take a moment to appreciate all the thought that went into developing what looks like such a simple piece of equipment. Imagine what it would be like trying to ride a bike with no pedals or one that is four feet in the air while you try and maneuver your bike around town. As the wind cools your face and you dread the look of helmet hair after you’re done, be thankful for the effort that went into making the bicycle what it is today.
Remembering Chris Schultz A good anchor, player, and person
sarah nakonechny sports writer
We all have our opinions on what makes a good sports anchor. Granted – whether you enjoy seeing their faces show up on the TV at halftime because you care about what they have to say, or because that means you can refill your snacks, we can all agree it is terribly saddening when a beloved anchor passes. Recently, we lost the cherished Chris Schultz at the age of 61 due to an unexpected heart attack on March 4, 2021. Schultz was more than just an anchor. Prior to his time behind the desk as a football analyst, he also played in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). From 1983 to 1986, he played with the Dallas Cowboys before coming up to play with the Toronto Argonauts for nine years afterwards. He was even able to secure himself a Grey Cup win in 1991. He was known as being the “Big Man” for many reasons throughout his life. Not only did he stand at an impressive 6’7”, but he had a personality to match his stature. From being able to make you laugh and feel at ease, to the big presence he held on The Sports Network (TSN), you always knew when he was around. His passions for his family, friends, teammates, and, of course, for football, were very noticeable,
and he was known for always being willing to talk about any of them at any moment. The passion for his work and for people did not stop with the football families or his personal relationships. Schultz also participated in work with Purolator Tackle Hunger and displayed his passion for it tirelessly. He spoke very publicly about working with this organization and what doing so meant not just to himself but also to the families in need.
Passion was something that had been used to describe Schultz for everything he did – from the work that he did on the field, the outreach work he did for food banks across Canada, and, of course, the work he did on The Sports Network. For those who are not familiar with his work, Schultz became a regular on CFL broadcasts on TSN. As well, he hosted Risky Business, made weekly NFL picks, and had the opportunity to be a part of the Grey Cup
and Superbowl coverage on TSN for many years. It was clear to many that Schultz was worthy of being placed in the Hall of Fame, and that is exactly what happened. In 2016, he was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame where his legacy will continue to live on. Whether or not you knew the man personally, he was able to use his joy for life and the platform he was presented to touch the lives
of so many individuals and to make a difference in the lives of many families. His big heart, passion for everything he did, insight into various topics, and joy for life were all infectious. If you cheered for him as a player or enjoyed listening to him on the panel, there are many impressive moments that he will be remembered for. Next time you tune in to listen to the hot takes of next season, take a moment to appreciate the life that was loved and lost.
3DownNation (Twitter)
Chris Schultz on the Toronto Argonauts bench
